DETROIT COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER
AT THE BELLE ISLE BOAT HOUSE
The Detroit Community Sailing Center is a community-based organization, open to the public, offering youth and adults the opportunity to learn to sail and enjoy Detroit's rich marine environment. We are located at the historic Belle Isle Boat House (formerly known as the Detroit Boat Club) on Detroit’s picturesque Belle Isle. Participants can enjoy Detroit’s waterways and learn to sail without the cost and time commitment of boat ownership. Instructors with years of experience teach using our fleet of Optimist, Club 420, and Flying Scot sailboats. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3). (EIN 32-0113149)
The Detroit Community Sailing Center has been created from the expansion of the long running Challenge the Wind Youth Sailing Program. Our mission continues unchanged:
The Detroit Community Sailing Center has been created from the expansion of the long running Challenge the Wind Youth Sailing Program. Our mission continues unchanged:
Our Mission:
Making Detroit’s waterfront and sailing accessible to those who otherwise may not get the opportunity
Making Detroit’s waterfront and sailing accessible to those who otherwise may not get the opportunity
Programs
Youth Sailing- Challenge the Wind
Our youth sailing program is known as Challenge the Wind. Kids ages 10-17 learn how to sail in small boats on the Detroit River during a two week summer session (or more!). In keeping with our mission, program fees are heavily subsidized in order to remove cost being a barrier to the sport and expanding access for all.
Our youth sailing program is known as Challenge the Wind. Kids ages 10-17 learn how to sail in small boats on the Detroit River during a two week summer session (or more!). In keeping with our mission, program fees are heavily subsidized in order to remove cost being a barrier to the sport and expanding access for all.
Youth Racing Adventure
Our Youth Racing Adventure program introduces sailors to the exciting world of Regatta’s (racing) with local adventures and challenges. The program focus is on the skills and foundational knowledge to make informed decisions on the water. Fun challenges, camaraderie, and adventure are to be expected! Sailors will depart the dock, practice on the racecourse, and return to shore with real world skills to navigate life’s ocean.The program will introduce trip planning and time management with real world scenarios, that coincidentally transfer to nuanced regatta techniques.
Our Youth Racing Adventure program introduces sailors to the exciting world of Regatta’s (racing) with local adventures and challenges. The program focus is on the skills and foundational knowledge to make informed decisions on the water. Fun challenges, camaraderie, and adventure are to be expected! Sailors will depart the dock, practice on the racecourse, and return to shore with real world skills to navigate life’s ocean.The program will introduce trip planning and time management with real world scenarios, that coincidentally transfer to nuanced regatta techniques.
Water Safety- Detroit Swims
We partnered with the nonprofit group Detroit Swims, a program run by the Detroit Metro YMCA. They provide free water safety lessons to local youth, and we work together to provide these lessons to our youth sailing students. Participation is highly recommended for this incredible program. We reinforce water safety during our learn to sail program and make resources available to improve swimming skills.
We partnered with the nonprofit group Detroit Swims, a program run by the Detroit Metro YMCA. They provide free water safety lessons to local youth, and we work together to provide these lessons to our youth sailing students. Participation is highly recommended for this incredible program. We reinforce water safety during our learn to sail program and make resources available to improve swimming skills.
Boat Building Workshops - Sailing isn't just limited to summertime!
We offer this winter after school activity to our sailors in partnership with U of M Detroit Story Lab and a sponsorship by the Skillman Foundation.
We offer this winter after school activity to our sailors in partnership with U of M Detroit Story Lab and a sponsorship by the Skillman Foundation.
Other youth programs
- Tall Ship STEM Outing - The educational program Inland Seas brings their tall ship to Detroit each summer. Our youth sailors have the opportunity to go for a sail while exploring their on board science programs.
- Board member Deneen Garrett coordinates with Hampton University to help provide our youth with a sailing opportunity at a collegiate level.
Adult Learn to Sail
Detroit Community Sailing providing sailing lessons for adults over 17 years of age. A beginner and intermediate course is available. Sailors are provided with information on how to continue their sailing journey.
Detroit Community Sailing providing sailing lessons for adults over 17 years of age. A beginner and intermediate course is available. Sailors are provided with information on how to continue their sailing journey.
Race Crew Training
Adult students in this course sail on our keelboat, a Tartan 10 named Macho Duck. Sailing is throughout the summer and they compete in local area racing. Students learn the mechanics of a larger boat, and how to race on a regular basis.
Adult students in this course sail on our keelboat, a Tartan 10 named Macho Duck. Sailing is throughout the summer and they compete in local area racing. Students learn the mechanics of a larger boat, and how to race on a regular basis.
Volunteering
Our program is successful due to countless volunteers. There are many ways to give back to the community- instructing, help with our maintenance/ launch team, assisting with the youth program, donations of equipment, and financial contributions. It is thanks to people like you that we are able to make our waterways more accessible.
Our program is successful due to countless volunteers. There are many ways to give back to the community- instructing, help with our maintenance/ launch team, assisting with the youth program, donations of equipment, and financial contributions. It is thanks to people like you that we are able to make our waterways more accessible.
Stay Up to Date
Sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date on events and what is coming next!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @detroitcommunitysailingcenter
Sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date on events and what is coming next!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @detroitcommunitysailingcenter